Vehicle seating cushion with snap-fit fasteners to interconnect with snap-fit receivers on a structural support

ABSTRACT

A seating assembly for a vehicle comprises: a cushion comprising an outer edge and a plurality of snap-fit-fasteners; and a carrier comprising an outer edge surface and a plurality of snap-fit receivers near the outer edge surface of the carrier arranged to receive the plurality of snap-fit fasteners; wherein the plurality of snap-fit receivers have received and are retaining the plurality of snap-fit fasteners such that the cushion is interconnected with the carrier; and wherein the plurality of snap-fit fasteners and plurality of receivers are arranged to prevent the edge of the cushion from rolling up. The cushion further comprises a lip having an inward facing surface; wherein the cushion at least partially surrounds the carrier with at least a portion of the inward facing surface of the lip facing the outer edge surface of the carrier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/605,238, filed on May 25, 2017, entitled “VEHICLE SEATING CUSHION WITH SNAP-FIT FASTENERS TO INTERCONNECT WITH SNAP-FIT RECEIVERS ON A STRUCTURAL SUPPORT,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,476,136, the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the attachment of cushions onto a structural support for use as part of a vehicle seating assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A novel vehicle seating assembly utilizing a seatback including a carrier and a cushion assembly attached to the carrier was disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/414,659 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,166,895), filed on Jan. 25, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The carrier provides structural support for the cushion assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cushion for a seating assembly of a vehicle comprises: an outer edge; and a plurality of snap-fit fasteners arranged to interconnect with a plurality of snap-fit receivers on a structural support, so as to prevent the outer edge from rolling up.

Embodiments of the first aspect of the invention can include any one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   The cushion further comprises: an occupant facing surface and a         carrier facing surface opposite the occupant facing surface;         wherein the plurality of snap-fit fasteners are accessible for         interconnection from the carrier facing surface;     -   Each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners comprise a first         cantilever, the first cantilever including a catch flange;     -   Each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners further include a         second cantilever parallel to the first cantilever, and a base         perpendicular to the first cantilever and the second cantilever;         the second cantilever includes a catch flange extending toward         the first cantilever; and the base, the first cantilever, and         the second cantilever form a receiver channel; wherein the catch         flange of the first cantilever extends toward the second         cantilever;     -   The cushion further comprises: a lip along the outer edge         configured to at least partially surround an outer edge surface         of the structural support; wherein at least a portion of the         snap-fit fasteners are accessible for interconnection adjacent         the lip;     -   The base of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners further comprise         a first wing portion and a second wing portion opposite the         first wing portion; wherein at least part of the first wing         portion and the second wing portion are disposed beneath the         carrier facing surface; and     -   The cushion comprises a recess in the carrier facing surface         adjacent and parallel to the lip; wherein the receiver channels         of at least some of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners are         within the recess.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a carrier for a seating assembly of a vehicle comprises: an outer edge surface; and a plurality of snap-fit receivers near the outer edge surface arranged to receive a plurality of snap-fit fasteners positioned on a cushion.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention can include any one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   The plurality of snap-fit receivers each comprise a first catch         receiving surface configured to support a first catch flange         extending from a first cantilever of a snap-fit fastener of the         plurality of snap-fit fasteners and thereby interconnect the         cushion and the carrier;     -   The plurality of snap-fit receivers each further comprises a         second catch receiving surface configured to support a second         catch flange extending from a second cantilever of the snap-fit         fastener of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners;     -   The plurality of snap-fit receivers each further comprise: a         crest having a tangent line; and a cross-section width parallel         to the tangent line of the crest that widens between the crest         and the first catch receiving surface;     -   The carrier further comprises: a generally forward projecting         rib contiguous with the outer edge surface; wherein at least a         portion of the plurality of snap-fit receivers are contiguous         with the rib;     -   The plurality of snap-fit receivers further comprise an         elongated beam having a length, and the length of the elongated         beam is generally parallel to the portion of the outer edge         surface to which the length is closest; and     -   The carrier further comprises a midline; wherein at least one of         the plurality of snap-fit receivers is located at the midline;         wherein at least three of the plurality of snap-fit receivers         are located to one side of the midline; and wherein at least         three of the plurality of snap-fit receivers are located to the         an opposite side of the midline.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a seating assembly for a vehicle comprises: a cushion comprising an outer edge and a plurality of snap-fit-fasteners; and a carrier comprising an outer edge surface and a plurality of snap-fit receivers near the outer edge surface of the carrier arranged to receive the plurality of snap-fit fasteners; wherein the plurality of snap-fit receivers have received and are retaining the plurality of snap-fit fasteners such that the cushion is interconnected with the carrier; and wherein the plurality of snap-fit fasteners and plurality of receivers are arranged to prevent the edge of the cushion from rolling up.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention can include any one or a combination of the following features:

-   -   The cushion further comprises a lip having an inward facing         surface; wherein the cushion at least partially surrounds the         carrier with at least a portion of the inward facing surface of         the lip facing the outer edge surface of the carrier;     -   The cushion further comprises an occupant facing surface and         carrier facing surface opposite the occupant facing surface;         wherein the plurality of snap-fit fasteners interconnect with         the plurality of snap-fit receivers from the carrier facing         surface; and wherein at least a portion of the plurality of         snap-fit fasteners interconnect with at least a portion of the         plurality of snap-fit receivers adjacent the lip;     -   The cushion further comprises a recess in the carrier facing         surface adjacent and parallel to the lip; each of the plurality         of snap-fit fasteners comprise a first cantilever, the first         cantilever including a catch flange and a receiver facing         surface that faces one of the plurality of receivers; the         carrier further comprises a generally forward projecting rib         contiguous with the outer edge surface; and each of the         plurality of snap-fit receivers comprise a cantilever deforming         surface and a first catch receiving surface; wherein at least a         portion of the rib of the carrier is seated within the recess of         the cushion; wherein the receiver facing surface is generally         parallel to the portion of the outer edge of the cushion to         which the receiver facing surface is closest; wherein least a         portion of the plurality of the snap-fit receivers are arranged         along the rib; wherein the cantilever deforming surface deforms         the first cantilever of each of the plurality of snap-fit         fasteners while the plurality of receivers receives the         plurality of snap-fit fasteners until the catch flange snaps         over and settles adjacent to the first catch receiving surface         of the snap-fit receiver;     -   Each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners further include a         second cantilever parallel to the first cantilever, and a base         perpendicular to the first cantilever and the second cantilever;         the second cantilever includes a catch flange extending toward         the first cantilever; and the base, the first cantilever, and         the second cantilever form a receiver channel; wherein the catch         flange of the first cantilever extends toward the second         cantilever; and wherein the each of the plurality of receivers         are disposed within the receiver channel of a snap-fit fastener         of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners; and     -   The base of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners further         comprises a first wing portion and a second wing portion         opposite the first wing portion; and each of the plurality of         receivers comprise a crest having a tangent line and         cross-section width that widens between the crest the first         catch receiving surface; wherein the cantilever deforming         surface of each of the plurality of receivers pushes the first         cantilever and the second cantilever away from each other until         the catch flange of the first cantilever snaps over and settles         adjacent to the first catch receiving surface of the snap-fit         receiver; and wherein at least part of the first wing portion         and the second wing portion are disposed beneath the carrier         facing surface.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an interior of a vehicle illustrating a seating assembly;

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a seatback comfort assembly for the seating assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating a cushion assembly attached to a carrier;

FIG. 3 is a front view of an upper thoracic component of the cushion assembly of FIG. 2, illustrating an occupant facing surface;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the upper thoracic component of FIG. 3, illustrating a lip that at least partially surrounds an upper thoracic section of the carrier, when the upper thoracic component is attached to the carrier;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the upper thoracic component of FIG. 3, illustrating a plurality of snap-fit fasteners arranged to connect the upper thoracic component to the carrier;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the upper thoracic component of FIG. 3, illustrating a recess adjacent the lip and at least a portion of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners arranged adjacent the lip;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a representative snap-fit fastener of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners of FIG. 5, illustrating a first cantilever opposing a second cantilever;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the representative snap-fit fastener of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners of FIG. 5, illustrating an opening into a receiver channel;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the representative snap-fit fastener of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the carrier of FIG. 2, illustrating a plurality of snap-fit receivers arranged near an outer edge surface of the upper thoracic section;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the carrier of FIG. 2, illustrating the plurality of snap-fit receivers arranged near the outer edge surface of the upper thoracic section;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the carrier of FIG. 2, illustrating the plurality of snap-fit receivers arranged near the outer edge surface of the upper thoracic section;

FIG. 13 is front close up view of area XIII of FIG. 10, illustrating a representative snap-fit receiver in the form of an elongated beam with a crest;

FIG. 14 is a rear close up view of area XIII of FIG. 10, illustrating the snap-fit receiver including a first catch receiving surface and a second catch receiving surface;

FIG. 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken through line XV-XV of FIG. 13, illustrating the snap-fit receiver with widening cross section from the crest to the first catch receiving surface;

FIG. 16 is a rear view of the cushion assembly and the carrier of FIG. 2 attached to each other, illustrating the plurality of snap-fit fasteners interconnected with the plurality of snap-fit receivers;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the attached cushion assembly and carrier of FIG. 2 taken through line XVII-XVII of FIG. 16, illustrating the lip at least partially surrounding a rib of the carrier;

FIG. 18 is a rear close up view of area XVIII of FIG. 16, illustrating the snap-fit fastener of FIG. 7 interconnected with the snap-fit receiver of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken through line XIX-XIX of FIG. 18, illustrating the snap-fit receiver of FIG. 13 held within the receiver channel of the snap-fit fastener of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring to FIG. 1, the interior of a vehicle 10 is illustrated. The vehicle 10 includes a seating assembly 12 interconnected with the floor 14. The seating assembly 12 includes a seat 16 and a seatback 18. The seatback 18 is generally adjustable relative to the seat 16. The seat 16 is generally adjustable relative to the floor 14. The seatback 18 is configured to support the back of an occupant of the seating assembly 12. The seatback 18 includes, among other things, a seatback comfort assembly 20 and a back panel 22. The seatback comfort assembly 20 can be divided into an upper thoracic region 24 and a lower lumbar region 26. The seat 16 includes a seat comfort assembly 28 attached to a seat frame 30. The vehicle 10 can be a car, truck, or van, among other things.

Referring to FIG. 2, the seatback comfort assembly 20 includes a coverstock 32, a cushion assembly 34, and a carrier 36. The coverstock 32 is a fabric such as cloth, vinyl, or leather and provides the surface upon which the occupant sits. The coverstock 32 is attached to the carrier 36 and covers the cushion assembly 34. The carrier 36 provides structural support for the cushion assembly 34 and the coverstock 32. The carrier 36 has an upper thoracic section 38, which corresponds to the upper thoracic region 24 of the seatback comfort assembly 20, and a lower lumbar section 40, which corresponds to the lower lumbar region 26 of the seatback comfort assembly 20. The cushion assembly 34 includes a lower lumbar component 42, which corresponds to the lower lumbar region 26 of the seatback comfort assembly 20, and an upper thoracic component 44, which corresponds to the upper thoracic region 24 of the seatback comfort assembly 20. It should be understood, however, that the cushion assembly 34 can be one component rather than two separate components. The cushion assembly 34 is primarily molded foam. The cushion assembly 34 cushions the body of an occupant of the seating assembly 12. Although not illustrated, it should be understood that the seat comfort assembly 28 likewise includes a coverstock covering a cushion, which is attached to a carrier, which is further supported by the seat frame 30.

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, the upper thoracic component 44 of the cushion assembly 34 includes an outer edge 46 around the entire upper thoracic component 44. The upper thoracic component 44 further includes an occupant facing surface 48, which is the side of the upper thoracic component 44 that supports and faces an occupant sitting in the seating assembly 12. The upper thoracic component 44 further includes a carrier facing surface 50 opposite the occupant facing surface 48. The carrier facing surface 50 is the side of the upper thoracic component 44 that generally faces and abuts the carrier 36, when the upper thoracic component 44 is attached to the carrier 36. The upper thoracic component 44 further includes a lip 52 along the outer edge 46. The lip 52 extends generally rearward, that is, away from the occupant facing surface 48. The lip 52 is configured to at least partially surround the outer edge surface (discussed below) of the carrier 36, and thus help maintain the upper thoracic component 44 in place on the carrier 36 after attachment. In some embodiments of a cushion, a lip could be configured to entirely surround the outer edge surface of the carrier 36. The lip 52 includes an inward facing surface 54. The upper thoracic component 44 further includes a recess 56 in the carrier facing surface 50. The recess 56 runs parallel to the lip 52 and is adjacent to the lip 52. The recess 56 is contiguous with the inward facing surface 54 of the lip 52. In other words, the recess 56 transitions into the inward facing surface 54 of the lip 52. The recess 56 matches and receives a rib on the carrier 36, as discussed below, which further helps maintain the upper thoracic component 44 in place on the carrier 36 after attachment.

The upper thoracic component 44 includes a plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g, including a first snap-fit fastener 58 a, a second snap-fit fastener 58 b, a third snap-fit fastener 58 c, a fourth snap-fit fastener 58 d, a fifth snap-fit fastener 58 e, a sixth snap-fit fastener 58 f, and a seventh snap-fit fastener 58 g. The plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are arranged to interconnect with (e.g., fasten or attach to) a plurality of snap-fit receivers (discussed below) on the carrier 36. The plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are accessible for interconnection from the carrier facing surface 50. In other words, the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are accessible from the rear of the upper thoracic component 44. Thus, the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g allow the carrier facing surface 50 to face and abut the carrier 36.

The snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are arranged so as to prevent the outer edge 46 from rolling up after the upper thoracic component 44 cushion is attached to the carrier 36. To prevent the outer edge 46 from rolling up, the snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are provided close to the outer edge 46 and numerous snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are utilized. In this embodiment of the upper thoracic component 44 of the cushion assembly 34, seven spaced apart snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are utilized. The upper thoracic component 44 further includes a midline 60. The midline 60 is an imaginary plane extending through the upper thoracic component 44 at least approximately orthogonally to both the occupant facing surface 48 and the carrier facing surface 50 of the upper thoracic component 44. The midline 60 conceptually divides the upper thoracic component 44 into two at least approximately symmetrical halves. One snap-fit fastener, snap-fit fastener 58 d, is located at the midline 60 of the upper thoracic component 44. Three snap-fit fasteners, snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c, are located to one side of the midline 60. Three snap-fit fasteners, snap-fit fasteners 58 e-g, are located to the other side of the midline 60. A portion of the snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g, snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c and 58 e-g, in this embodiment, are accessible for interconnection with the carrier 36 adjacent the lip 52. Because the lip 52 surrounds the carrier 36, the snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c, 58 e-g are positioned adjacent (close to) the lip 52 as close to the outer edge 46 as possible, which assists in preventing the outer edge 46 from rolling up. At least some of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g, specifically snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c, 58 e-g, are arranged adjacent the recess 56 such that the base (discussed below) of the snap-fit fastener is disposed within the foam directly below the surface of the recess 56. As in the illustrated embodiment, the lip 52 adjacent to at least some of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g (that is, snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c, 58 e-g) extends further away (e.g., further rearward) from the recess 56 and the carrier facing surface 50 than the particular snap-fit fastener adjacent to the lip 52. For example, the lip 52 adjacent to the snap-fit fastener 58 a extends further away from the recess 56 and the carrier facing surface 50 than the first cantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a of the snap-fit fastener 58 a (and so on for snap-fit fasteners 50 b, 58 c, and 58 e-g). Further, as in the illustrated embodiment, the lip 52 and the recess 56 extend contiguously parallel to the midline 60 on each side of the midline 60 (i.e., near snap-fit fasteners 58 b and 58 f) across the midline 60 adjacent to the snap-fit fastener 58 d that is disposed at the midline 60.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, the structure of each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g is discussed. As each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g is the same, snap-fit fastener 58 a is discussed as representative of all of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g. Snap-fit fastener 58 a includes a first cantilever 62 a, which includes a catch flange 64 a. As discussed further below, the first cantilever 62 a deforms while the catch flange 64 a slides over a surface of a snap-fit receiver on the carrier 36 and then snaps back to the original (non-deformed) state when the catch flange 64 a meets an undercut or recessed area of the snap-fit receiver, which then holds the catch flange 64 a into place, thereby interconnecting the snap-fit fastener 58 a to the snap-fit receiver. The first cantilever 62 a includes a receiver facing surface 66 a. The receiver facing surface 66 a is generally parallel to the portion of the outer edge 46 of the upper thoracic component 44 cushion to which the receiver facing surface 66 a is closest.

Representative snap-fit fastener 58 a further includes a second cantilever 68 a. A cushion, such as the upper thoracic component 44, can interconnect with a structural support, such as carrier 36, and prevent the outer edge, such as outer edge 46, from rolling up by utilizing snap-fit fasteners that include only a first cantilever, such as first cantilever 62 a. However, adding a second cantilever, such as second cantilever 68 a, adds stability to the interconnection. The second cantilever 68 a can be generally parallel to the first cantilever 62 a, in that the first cantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a both extend from a base 72 a (discussed below) in the same direction. The second cantilever 68 a also includes a catch flange 70 a. The catch flange 70 a of the second cantilever 68 a serves the same function as the catch flange 64 a of the first cantilever 62 a in that the catch flange 70 a meets an undercut or recessed area of the snap-fit receiver and is thereby held in place. The catch flange 70 a of the second cantilever 68 a extends toward the first cantilever 62 a and the catch flange 64 a of the first cantilever 62 a extends toward the second cantilever 68 a. In this manner, the first cantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a are mirror images of each other.

Representative snap-fit fastener 58 a further includes a base 72 a that is perpendicular to and supports the first cantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a. The base 72 a, the first cantilever 62 a, and the second cantilever 68 a form a receiver channel 74 a, within which a snap-fit receiver 84 a (discussed below) of the carrier 36 can be held and maintained allowing for interconnection between the snap-fit fastener 58 a and the snap-fit receiver 84 a. The receiver channel 74 a is disposed between the first cantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a. The receiver facing surface 66 a of the first cantilever 62 a faces the receiver channel 74 a and defines a portion thereof. The space between the catch flange 64 a of the first cantilever 62 a and the catch flange 70 a of the second cantilever 68 a forms an opening 76 a into the receiver channel 74 a. The base 72 a further includes a first wing portion 78 a and a second wing portion 80 a opposite of the first wing portion 78 a. At least the first wing portion 78 a and the second wing portion 80 a are disposed beneath the carrier facing surface 50. This can be achieved by foam molding the cushion, here the upper thoracic component 44, with the snap-fit fastener 58 a properly positioned within the mold during the molding of the foam (along with all the other snap-fit fasteners 58 b-g), such that the first wing portion 78 a and the second wing portion 80 a are molded over. The first wing portion 78 a and the second wing portion 80 a add stability and keep the snap-fit fastener 58 a connected to the upper thoracic component 44 even when a pulling force is applied to the first cantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a. The first cantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a may be nearly entirely exposed (i.e., not molded over with foam) and extend away from the carrier facing surface 50 in a generally rearward direction. The first cantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a may be partially molded over with foam, such that most of the first cantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a are molded over with foam except for the receiver facing surface 66 a of the first cantilever 62 a, the equivalent receiver facing surface of the second cantilever 68 a, all or most of the receiver channel 74 a, and the portion of the catch flange 64 a and the catch flange 70 a facing downward toward the receiver channel 74 a. As in the illustrated embodiment (see e.g., FIG. 5), each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-58 g can be oriented such that the receiver facing surface 66 of each of the snap-fit fasteners 58 a-58 g is generally parallel to the inward facing surface 54 of the lip 52 and outer edge 46 adjacent to (i.e., the portion of the lip 52 and outer edge 46 closest to) the particular snap-fit fastener 58 a-58 g. In addition, as in the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-58 g can be oriented differently that is, oriented such that none of the receiver facing surfaces 66 of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-58 g are parallel to each other. In other words, the receiver facing surface 66 of the first cantilever 62 of each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-58 g face in a different direction.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, the carrier 36 includes an outer edge surface 82. The carrier 36 further includes a plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g near the outer edge surface 82. The plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g include a first snap-fit receiver 84 a, a second snap-fit receiver 84 b, a third snap-fit receiver 84 c, a fourth snap-fit receiver 84 d, a fifth snap-fit receiver 84 e, a sixth snap-fit receiver 84 f, and a seventh snap-fit receiver 84 g. The plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g are arranged to receive the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g on the upper thoracic component 44 of the cushion assembly 34. In other words, the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g are positioned to interconnect with the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g. For example, first snap-fit receiver 84 a is positioned to interconnect with first snap-fit fastener 58 a, and so on. Positioning the snap-fit receivers 84 a-g near the outer edge surface 82 helps prevent the upper thoracic component 44 cushion from rolling up when the upper thoracic component 44 is attached to the carrier 36. The carrier 36 has a midline 86.

In this embodiment of the carrier 36, at least one of the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g, namely snap-fit receiver 84 d, is located at the midline 86. Further, at least three of the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g, namely snap-fit receivers 84 a-c, are located to one side of the midline 86. Likewise, at least three of the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g, namely snap-fit receivers 84 e-g, are located to the other side of the midline 86. Such an arrangement provides appropriate distribution of the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g for adequate interconnection between the carrier 36 and the upper thoracic component 44 cushion.

The carrier 36 further includes a rib 88 and a cushion facing surface 106. The cushion facing surface 106, at the upper thoracic section 38, faces and abuts the carrier facing surface 50 of the upper thoracic component 44. The rib 88 projects generally forward, that is, out perpendicularly relative to the cushion facing surface 106. The rib 88 is contiguous with the outer edge surface 82. In other words, the outermost surface of the rib 88 is the outer edge surface 82. As mentioned above, the recess 56 of the upper thoracic component 44 matches and receives the rib 88. The recess 56 is the recess in which the rib 88 sits. That further helps maintain the upper thoracic component 44 in place on the upper thoracic section 38 of the carrier 36, when the upper thoracic component 44 is attached to the carrier 36. The first cantilever 62 a-c, 62 e-g and the second cantilever 68 a-c, 68 e-g of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c, 58 e-g are positioned such that they are within the recess 56, slightly projected from the recess 56, and form the receiver channels 74 a-c, 74 e-g that are within the recess. Snap-fit receivers 84 a-c, 84 e-g, are contiguous with the rib 88 (i.e., they are arranged along the rib 88). Thus, not only do the recess 56 and the rib 88 mechanically cooperate, the snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c, 58 e-g located along the recess 56 interconnect with the snap-fit receivers 84 a-c, 84 e-g on the rib 88.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, each of the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g are discussed. As each of the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g include the same general features, snap-fit receiver 84 a is discussed as representative of all snap-fit receivers 84 a-g. Snap-fit receiver 84 a includes a first catch receiving surface 90 a. The first catch receiving surface 90 a is adjacent the first catch flange 64 a extending from the first cantilever 62 a of snap-fit fastener 58 a, when the upper thoracic component 44 cushion interconnects with the carrier 36. The first catch receiving surface 90 a and the first catch flange 64 a cooperate to prevent the snap-fit receiver 84 a from disconnecting from the snap-fit fastener 58 a after they become interconnected. Snap-fit receiver 84 a can further include a second catch receiving surface 92 a. The second catch receiving surface 92 a is adjacent the catch flange 70 a extending from the second cantilever 68 a of the snap-fit fastener 58 a when the upper thoracic component 44 interconnects with carrier 36. The second catch receiving surface 92 a and the second catch flange 70 a cooperate to prevent the snap-fit receiver 84 a from disconnecting from the snap-fit fastener 58 a after they become interconnected. Although the snap-fit receiver 84 a could employ only the first catch receiving surface 90 a if snap-fit fastener 58 a includes only the first cantilever 62 a with catch flange 64 a, as discussed above, it could be advantageous to include the opposing second cantilever 68 a with catch flange 70 a. In such as circumstance, the second catch receiving surface 92 a would likewise be advantageous to interact with catch flange 70 a of the second cantilever 68 a.

Snap-fit receiver 84 a further includes a crest 94 a. As explained in greater detail below, snap-fit fastener 58 a first interacts with snap-fit receiver 84 a at the crest 94 a as the crest 94 a enters the receiver channel 74 a. The crest 94 a has a tangent line 96 a. Snap-fit receiver 84 a further comprises a cross-section width 98 a that is parallel to the tangent line 96 a. The cross-section width 98 a widens between the crest 94 a and the first catch receiving surface 90 a. This widening cross-section width 98 a, as explained in greater detail below, causes a cantilever deforming surface 100 a to push the first cantilever 62 a and the second cantilever 68 a apart from each other as snap-fit receiver 84 a goes through opening 76 a and enters the receiver channel 74 a.

Snap-fit receiver 84 a can further include an elongated beam 102 a. In other words, the cross-section of a snap-fit receiver 84 a can have an entirely enclosed perimeter with no material impeding the shortest distance between the first catch receiving surface 90 a and the second catch receiving surface 92 a. In short, snap-fit receiver 84 a can be circumnavigable around the cross-section thereof. The elongated beam 102 a has a length 104 a. The length 104 a is generally parallel to the portion of the outer edge surface 82 to which the length 104 a is closest.

Referring now to FIGS. 16-19, the upper thoracic component 44 cushion becomes interconnected with the upper thoracic section 38 of the carrier 36 by placing the carrier facing surface 50 of the upper thoracic component 44 onto the cushion facing surface 106 of the upper thoracic section 38 of the carrier 36. The crest 94 a of snap-fit receiver 84 a is moved toward and into the opening 76 a between the catch flange 64 a of the first cantilever 62 a and the catch flange 70 a of the second cantilever 68 a of snap-fit fastener 58 a. The cantilever deforming surface 100 a of snap-fit receiver 84 a increasingly deforms the first cantilever 62 a and/or the second cantilever 68 a as the cantilever deforming surface 100 a progresses through the opening 76 a and into the receiver channel 74 a, because the cross-section width 98 a parallel to the tangent line 96 a of the crest 94 a widens toward the first catch receiving surface 90 a. The cantilever deforming surface 100 a continues to deform the first cantilever 62 a and/or the second cantilever 68 a, and pushes them away from each other, until the catch flange 64 a of the first cantilever 62 a and the catch flange 70 a of the second cantilever 68 a snap over and settle adjacent to the first catch receiving surface 90 a and second catch receiving surface 92 a, respectively, of the snap-fit receiver 84 a. This snapping provides audible and tactile feedback that snap-fit fastener 58 a and the snap-fit receiver 84 a have interconnected. The receiver facing surface 66 a of the first cantilever 62 a of snap-fit fastener 58 a faces the cantilever deforming surface 100 a of snap-fit receiver 84 a. Snap-fit receiver 84 a is now disposed within the receiver channel 74 a of snap-fit fastener 58 a. The remaining of the plurality of snap-fasteners 58 b-g and plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 b-g are interconnected in the same manner, providing the same audible and tactile feedback when they become interconnected.

Accordingly, the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g have received, are retaining, and are interconnected with the plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g. Thus, the upper thoracic component 44 of the cushion assembly 34 is interconnected with the upper thoracic section 38 of the carrier 36. The carrier facing surface 50 of the upper thoracic component 44 thus faces and abuts the cushion facing surface 106 of the upper thoracic section 38 of the carrier 36. The plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g are interconnected with the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g from the carrier facing surface 50. More specifically, the first snap-fit receiver 84 a has received and is retaining the first snap-fit fastener 58 a, the second snap-fit receiver 84 b has received and is retaining the second snap-fit fastener 58 b, the third snap-fit receiver 84 c has received and is retaining the third snap-fit fastener 58 c, the fourth snap-fit receiver 84 d has received and is retaining the fourth snap-fit fastener 58 d, the fifth snap-fit receiver 84 e has received and is retaining the fifth snap-fit fastener 58 e, the sixth snap-fit receiver 84 f has received and is retaining the sixth snap-fit fastener 58 f, and the seventh snap-fit receiver 84 g has received and is retaining the seventh snap-fit fastener 58 g. As the plurality of snap-fit receiver 84 a-g are arranged close to the outer edge surface 82 and spaced apart, and there are plurality of snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g arranged close to the outer edge 46 to accommodate the location of the plurality of snap-fit receiver 84 a-g, the outer edge 46 of the upper thoracic component 44 cushion is prevented from rolling up.

The upper thoracic component 44 cushion at least partially surrounds carrier 36 such that at least a portion of the inward facing surface 54 of the lip 52 faces the outer edge surface 82 of the upper thoracic section 38 of the carrier 36. At least a portion of the snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g, namely snap-fit fasteners 58 a-c, 58 e-g, are interconnected with a portion of the plurality of snap-fit receivers 84 a-g, namely snap-fit receivers 84 a-c, 84 e-g, adjacent the lip 52. At least a portion of the rib 88 of the carrier 36 is seated within the recess 56 of the upper thoracic component 44 cushion. By partially encircling the upper thoracic section 38 of the carrier 36 in this manner, that is, using lip 52 to partially surround and encircle the outer edge surface 82 of upper thoracic section 38 and seating the rib 88 within the recess 56, the upper thoracic component 44 is more apt to stay on and interconnected with the carrier 36. By interconnecting snap-fit fasteners 58 a-g and snap-fit receivers 84 a-g adjacently, that is, close to, the lip 52, the outer edge 46 of the upper thoracic component 44 is less likely to roll up.

It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cushion for a seating assembly of a vehicle comprising: an occupant facing surface; a carrier facing surface, the carrier facing surface and the occupant facing surface facing in generally opposite directions; an outer edge; a lip disposed along the outer edge of the cushion and extending from the carrier facing surface in a direction that the occupant facing surface faces; and a plurality of snap-fit fasteners arranged adjacent to the lip at the occupant facing surface and extending in the direction the occupant facing surface faces: each snap-fit fastener of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners including a first cantilever, a second cantilever, and a receiver channel disposed between the first cantilever and the second cantilever; both the first cantilever and the second cantilever including a catch flange extending therefrom, the catch flange of the first cantilever extending toward the second cantilever, and the catch flange of the second cantilever extending toward the first cantilever; the first cantilever including a receiver facing surface that faces the receiver channel; and each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners are oriented differently such that the receiver facing surface of the first cantilever of each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners face in a different direction.
 2. The cushion of claim 1, the lip adjacent to at least some of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners extends further away from the carrier facing surface than the snap-fit fastener adjacent to the lip.
 3. The cushion of claim 1 further comprising: molded foam.
 4. The cushion of claim 1 further comprising: a recess into the carrier facing surface that runs parallel to the lip.
 5. The cushion of claim 1, at least three of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners are disposed to each side of a midline extending through the cushion at least approximately orthogonally to both the occupant facing surface and the carrier facing surface thus conceptually dividing the cushion into two at least approximately symmetrical halves, and one of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners is disposed at the midline.
 6. The cushion of claim 1, at least some of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners have a base, and at least a portion of the base is disposed beneath the carrier facing surface.
 7. The cushion of claim 1 further comprising: molded foam; wherein, at least some of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners have a base, and a portion of the base is disposed beneath the carrier facing surface within the molded foam.
 8. The cushion of claim 1, the receiver facing surface of the first cantilever of each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners is generally parallel to the outer edge of the cushion to which the receiver facing surface is closest.
 9. The cushion of claim 1, each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners comprising a base, the base comprising a first wing portion and a second wing portion that are both disposed beneath the carrier facing surface.
 10. The cushion of claim 1, each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners further comprising a base that is perpendicular to and supports the first cantilever and the second cantilever.
 11. A cushion for a seating assembly of a vehicle comprising: an outer edge; an occupant facing surface; a carrier facing surface, the occupant facing surface and the carrier facing surface facing in generally opposite directions; a plurality of snap-fit fasteners disposed at the carrier facing surface, each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners comprising a first cantilever and a catch flange extending from the first cantilever; a lip along the outer edge that extends in the general direction that the occupant facing surface faces; and a recess into the carrier facing surface adjacent and parallel to the lip; wherein, an equal number of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners are disposed to each side of a midline extending through the cushion at least approximately orthogonally to both the occupant facing surface and the carrier facing surface thus conceptually dividing the cushion into two at least approximately symmetrical halves, and one of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners is disposed at the midline; and wherein, the lip extends contiguously parallel to the midline on each side of the midline and across the midline adjacent to the snap-fit fastener disposed at the midline.
 12. The cushion of claim 11, a portion of each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners is disposed beneath the carrier facing surface of the cushion.
 13. The cushion of claim 11, at least some of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners are arranged within the recess.
 14. The cushion of claim 11, each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners further including a second cantilever parallel to the first cantilever, and a base perpendicular to the first cantilever and the second cantilever; the second cantilever including a catch flange extending toward the first cantilever; the base, the first cantilever, and the second cantilever forming a receiver channel; and the catch flange of the first cantilever extends toward the second cantilever.
 15. The cushion of claim 14, the base of each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners further comprising a first wing portion and a second wing portion opposite the first wing portion, at least a portion of both the first wing portion and the second wing portion being disposed beneath the carrier facing surface.
 16. A cushion for a seatback of a seating assembly of a vehicle comprising: an occupant facing surface that faces generally forward and is configured to support an occupant; a carrier facing surface that faces generally rearward; an outer edge; a lip along the outer edge that extends generally rearward away from the occupant facing surface; a recess in the carrier facing surface that runs parallel to the lip; and a plurality of snap-fit fasteners disposed within the recess adjacent to the lip, the plurality of snap-fit fasteners extending generally rearward and available for interconnection from the carrier facing surface; wherein, the lip adjacent to any particular of the snap-fit fasteners extends further rearward than the particular snap-fit fastener.
 17. The cushion of claim 16, each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners are oriented differently.
 18. The cushion of claim 16, each snap-fit fastener of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners includes a first cantilever, a second cantilever, and a receiver channel disposed between the first cantilever and the second cantilever; the first cantilever includes a receiver facing surface facing the receiver channel; and the receiver facing surface of the first cantilever of each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners is generally parallel to a portion of the outer edge of the cushion to which the receiver facing surface is closest.
 19. The cushion of claim 18, each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners further comprising a base from which the first cantilever and the second cantilever extend; and at least a portion of the base is disposed beneath the carrier facing surface.
 20. The cushion of claim 16 further comprising: molded foam; wherein, each of the plurality of snap-fit fasteners have a base, and at least a portion of the base is disposed beneath the carrier facing surface within the molded foam. 